Volunteer Firefighter

---

Job description

Are you interested in:

• Being a vital part of the fire and emergency response team in your community?
• Earning a partial expense reimbursement, based upon drill attendance and incident responses?
• Becoming a State of Oregon Certified Emergency Medical First Responder or Emergency Medical Technician?
• Attaining progressively higher skill set certifications, such as Firefighter I, Firefighter II, or Pump Operator, fully paid by the department?
• Leadership training for qualified individuals as training program instructors and officers?

SUMMARY

To assist with the Fire Department's operations and activities utilizing department standards and continued training to perform fire suppression and emergency medical assistance duties on emergency scenes and in other duties as assigned. This position requires a high level of training for firefighting activities.

This is an unpaid, volunteer position.

DUTIES

The following tasks are typical for this position.

1. Participation in drills and classes studying techniques and procedures for firefighting, emergency rescue, emergency medical response, and response to hazardous materials incidents.
2. Perform duties in response to fire, medical and other emergency calls; perform fire suppression, emergency medical assistance, and general public assistance duties.
3. Respond to fire and emergency alarms; perform all phases of fire suppression work; place fire hoses, set ladders, operate fire streams, ventilate and enter burning structures to extinguish fires and rescue victims; operate pneumatic and auxiliary equipment such as generators or pumps; perform rescue, ventilation, overhaul, salvage and clean-up activities at fire scene.
4. Place equipment and ladders in appropriate position at emergency scenes; estimate height and adjust equipment to ensure proper and safe operation.
5. Respond to emergency and non-emergency medical calls; determine and perform appropriate emergency medical interventions within guidelines of certification; write medical response reports as needed.
6. Respond to hazardous material incidents.
7. May operate fire apparatus under general supervision, as training allows.
8. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required in support of the Fire Department mission.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Must be at least 18 years of age
2. Possess a valid driver's license and safe driving record
3. Ability to pass a comprehensive background check (described below)
4. Vision sufficient to distinguish objects in limited visibility; to read small print, computer screens and printed documents
5. Physically ability to perform duties described and ability to pass a medical evaluation
6. Ability to obtain NFPA/DPSST Firefighter I and NFPA/DPSST Wildland Interface Firefighter certifications
7. Availability to attend a majority (minimum 75%) of the drills that occur most Wednesday nights from 7 p.m. - 10 pm; be able to respond, once qualified, to a minimum of 25% of emergency call outs. Currently our Volunteer Firefighters are called out an average of 25 times per month.
8. City employees must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by October 18th, 2021. (Medical or religious exceptions may apply)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Travel to emergency scenes and/or firefighting incidents; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, extreme heat, hazardous materials; work at heights on ladders; work with water.

MOBILITY

Incumbents may be required to maintain physical condition necessary for walking, standing, running, climbing, crawling, reaching, and bending for prolonged periods at heights and in unlit areas wearing heavy gear; lift, push and pull objects; may drive and operate fire suppression equipment and apparatus, as training allows.

SELECTION PROCESS

Those interested in being considered must complete the online application. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in a physical ability test (pass/fail). Applicants passing the physical ability test will be invited to a panel interview. An offer of a volunteer firefighter position will be contingent upon verification of an acceptable background check which includes criminal, sex offender, motor vehicle records checks, drug screen and a medical evaluation.

This is a recruitment for local volunteers only. Please submit your application when you are living within the Astoria response area. If you are outside the area, please wait to apply or reach out to local departments near you.

If you are interested in full-time employment, please monitor our Jobs page for openings.